1
|
Marx AKG, Frenzel AC, Fiedler D, Reck C. Susceptibility to positive versus negative emotional contagion: First evidence on their distinction using a balanced self-report measure. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302890. [PMID: 38743712 PMCID: PMC11093349 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Susceptibility to emotional contagion is defined as the disposition of how susceptible someone is to catch others' emotions and it has long been studied in research on mental health, well-being, and social interaction. Given that existing self-report measures of susceptibility to emotional contagion have focused almost exclusively on negative emotions, we developed a self-report measure to assess the susceptibility to emotional contagion of both positive and negative emotions (2 scales). In two studies, we examined their factor structure, validity, and reliability using exploratory factor analysis (Study 1, N = 257), confirmatory factor analysis (Study 2, N = 247) and correlations. Our results confirmed the two-factor structure and demonstrated good internal consistencies. Regarding external validity, our scales showed diverging correlational patterns: While susceptibility to negative emotional contagion was linked to mental health problems and negative emotions, susceptibility to positive emotional contagion was linked to interpersonal functioning and prosocial tendencies. In conclusion, our scales appear to be internally/externally valid and a promising tool for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anton K. G. Marx
- Department of Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Anne C. Frenzel
- Department of Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel Fiedler
- Department of Music Education, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Corinna Reck
- Department of Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Comes-Fayos J, Moreno IR, Lila M, Romero-Martínez A, Moya-Albiol L. Weakened sympathetic response and lower parasympathetic activity in intimate partner violence perpetrators when empathizing: Influence of autonomous activation in affective approach and prosocial behavior. Aggress Behav 2024; 50:e22126. [PMID: 38268388 DOI: 10.1002/ab.22126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) functioning has been proposed as a relevant method to characterize the therapeutic needs of intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrators. Nevertheless, research has neglected the influence of the ANS on socio-affective functions in this population. The aim of the present study was to analyze the psychophysiological activity of IPV perpetrators (n = 52) compared to controls (n = 46) following an empathic induction task, performed through negative emotion-eliciting videos. We employed two general ANS markers (heart rate [HR] and respiratory rate [RR]), two sympathetic-related indexes (pre-ejection period [PEP] and skin conductance level [SCL]) and a parasympathetic biomarker (respiratory sinus arrhythmia [RSA]). Additionally, we explored the impact of psychophysiological activity on prosocial behavior using Hare's donation procedure. Compared to controls, IPV perpetrators reported lower HR and SCL following the task, as well as longer PEP, suggesting an attenuated sympathetic response to others' distress. No differences in the RSA response pattern were found, however, IPV perpetrators displayed lower overall RSA levels throughout the protocol, indicative of reduced parasympathetic activity. Besides, while no differences in prosocial performance were observed, greater sympathetic responses and overall parasympathetic activity predicted increased donations across the sample. Thus, a high sympathetic and parasympathetic activity might influence the occurrence of prosocial behavior. The present study provides further evidence supporting that IPV perpetrators cope differently with others' negative emotions. In line with this biopsychosocial perspective, insights are gained on the emotional processing of IPV perpetrators which, in turn, could contribute to improve IPV psychotherapeutic programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Comes-Fayos
- Department of Psychobiology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Valencia International University, Valencia, Spain
| | - Isabel R Moreno
- Department of Psychobiology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marisol Lila
- Department of Social Psychology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Luis Moya-Albiol
- Department of Psychobiology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yi X, Jing C, Meimei M, Jianhui X, Jihong H, Ding X, Lihui Z. Acute stress reaction, depression anxiety stress, and job withdrawal behavior in non-frontline pediatric nurses during the pandemic: a cross-sectional study. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1123445. [PMID: 37265551 PMCID: PMC10230301 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1123445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Backgrounds The COVID-19 pandemic has brought an unprecedented healthy crisis to people worldwide. It is crucial to assess the psychological status of non-frontline nurses. More attention to the mental and physical health of non-frontline nurses during a public health emergency is necessary for a full understanding of the implications. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the factors that influence the acute stress reaction of non-frontline pediatric nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This study aimed to explore factors associated with acute stress reactions of non-frontline pediatric nurses in Hunan province during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a cross-sectional design. Five hundred eighteen pediatric nurses from Hunan province, China, completed the Stanford Acute Stress Reaction Questionnaire (SASRQ), Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21), and Job Withdrawal Behavior Scales (JWB). Multiple linear regression analyses and Pearson's correlation were used to analyze the results. Results The mean scores of DASS-21, JWB, SASRQ were 1.443 ± 0.500, 1.601 ± 0.544, and 1.858 ± 0.805, respectively. Stress, anxiety, depression (three sub-dimensions of DASS-21), JWB, monthly income and department were the major predictive factors for SASRQ (Adjusted R2 = 0.579, p < 0.001). Pearson's correlation showed that the mean score of SASRQ was positively correlated with JWB, DASS-21, and all its dimensions (p < 0.01). Conclusion The study indicated that the SASRQ was greater with higher levels of DASS-21 and JWB. It revealed an acute stress reaction in non-frontline pediatric nurses and recommends more focus on the factors influencing the SASRQ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xu Yi
- Department of Rehabilitation, Hunan Children’s Hospital, Hunan, China
| | - Cao Jing
- Department of Rehabilitation, Hunan Children’s Hospital, Hunan, China
| | - Ma Meimei
- Department of Rehabilitation, Hunan Children’s Hospital, Hunan, China
| | - Xie Jianhui
- Department of Nursing, Hunan Children’s Hospital, Hunan, China
| | - Hu Jihong
- Department of Rehabilitation, Hunan Children’s Hospital, Hunan, China
| | - Xiang Ding
- International Affairs Department, Hunan Children’s Hospital, Hunan, China
| | - Zhu Lihui
- Department of Nursing, Hunan Children’s Hospital, Hunan, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Macaranas AR, ElTohamy A, Hyun S, Chae DH, Stevens C, Chen JA, Liu CH. COVID-19-related direct and vicarious racial discrimination: Associations with psychological distress among U.S. college students. J Affect Disord 2023; 325:747-754. [PMID: 36642315 PMCID: PMC9837219 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has been accompanied by a myriad of racist incidents targeting minorities in the U.S. Young adults are susceptible to direct and vicarious (indirect) pandemic-related racial discrimination. We sought to examine associations between both types of discrimination experiences and psychological distress among college students across different racial groups. METHODS We analyzed self-reported data from 64,041 undergraduate students from the Spring 2021 American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment. Logistic regression examined odds of severe distress based on self-reported exposure to direct and vicarious racial discrimination. RESULTS Even after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and prior mental health diagnoses, there was a significant association between direct discrimination and distress among Asian (AOR: 1.3, p < 0.001), Hispanic (AOR: 1.6, p < 0.001), and Multiracial (AOR: 1.4, p < 0.001) students. Vicarious discrimination was significantly associated with distress among White (AOR: 1.4, p < 0.001), Asian (AOR: 1.4, p < 0.001), Hispanic (AOR: 1.5, p < 0.001), and Multiracial (AOR: 1.3, p < 0.001) students. Further analysis considering distress as a continuous measure revealed a significant association between vicarious discrimination and distress for Black participants (β = 0.9, p < 0.001). LIMITATIONS Self-reported variables are susceptible to recall bias. Minority racial group analyses may be underpowered. CONCLUSIONS Our findings reveal an overall link between both direct and vicarious racial discrimination and distress across several racial groups. Further studies should examine effective mental health interventions and anti-racism initiatives to support students who have experienced direct or vicarious discrimination due to COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Abdelrahman ElTohamy
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 221 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sunah Hyun
- Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - David H. Chae
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Courtney Stevens
- Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA,Department of Psychology, Willamette University, Salem, OR, USA
| | - Justin A. Chen
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Cindy H. Liu
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 221 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA,Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA,Corresponding author at: Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 221 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Birze A, Regehr K, Regehr C. Workplace Trauma in a Digital Age: The Impact of Video Evidence of Violent Crime on Criminal Justice Professionals. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:NP1654-NP1689. [PMID: 35483029 PMCID: PMC9709553 DOI: 10.1177/08862605221090571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
High-quality video and audio recordings of violent crimes, captured using now ubiquitous digital technologies, play an increasingly important role in the administration of justice. However, the effects of exposure to gruesome material presented in this form on criminal justice professionals who analyze, evaluate, and use this potentially traumatic content in the context of their work, are largely unknown. Using long interviews and constructivist grounded theory, this qualitative study sought to explore experiences of exposure to video evidence of violent crime among Canadian criminal justice professionals. Sixteen individuals including police, lawyers, judges, psychiatrists, law clerks, and court reporters volunteered to participate in qualitative long interviews asking about workplace exposures to violent videos. Themes identified address the ubiquity of video evidence of violent crime; proximity to violence through video; being blindsided through lack of preparedness for violent content; repeated exposures through multiple and protracted viewings; insufficient customary methods for self-protection; and the enduring impact of exposure to videoed violence. We determine that criminal justice professionals are increasingly and repeatedly presented with deeply disturbing imagery that was once imperceptible or unknowable and thus previously held at a greater distance. Elements of what is newly visible and audible in video evidence of violent crime create a new emotional proximity to violence that potentially increases the risks of secondary trauma and underscores the need for improved safety measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arija Birze
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social
Work, University
of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Cheryl Regehr
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social
Work and Faculty of Law, University of
Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Konrad AC, Förster K, Kurtz M, Endrass T, Jauk E, Kanske P. Social Factors Predict Distress Development in Adults With Pre-existing Mental Disorders During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic. Front Psychol 2022; 13:849650. [PMID: 35846696 PMCID: PMC9286674 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.849650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical distancing measures during the coronavirus pandemic are associated with increased psychological distress, especially in people with mental disorders. We investigated which social risk and resilience factors influence distress over time in people with pre-existing mental disorders. We conducted a longitudinal online survey with weekly follow-ups between April and July 2020 (n = 196 individuals with, and n = 545 individuals without pre-existing mental disorders at baseline). Our results show that individuals with, but not those without pre-existing mental disorders displayed higher distress levels when social resources and empathic disconnection are low and perceived social isolation is high. The distress development differed between participants with and without pre-existing mental disorders depending on their level of social resources, empathic disconnection, and perceived social isolation. These findings offer specific information for targeted social interventions to prevent an increase in incidence of mental disorders during physical distancing measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annika C. Konrad
- Clinical Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Katharina Förster
- Clinical Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Marcel Kurtz
- Clinical Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Tanja Endrass
- Addiction Research, Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Emanuel Jauk
- Clinical Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Medical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Philipp Kanske
- Clinical Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wesemann U, Applewhite B, Himmerich H. Investigating the impact of terrorist attacks on the mental health of emergency responders: systematic review. BJPsych Open 2022; 8:e107. [PMID: 35656574 PMCID: PMC9230690 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2022.69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Terrorist attacks have strong psychological effects on rescue workers, and there is a demand for effective and targeted interventions. AIMS The present systematic review aims to examine the mental health outcomes of exposed emergency service personnel over time, and to identify risk and resilience factors. METHOD A literature search was carried out on PubMed and PubPsych until 27 August 2021. Only studies with a real reported incident were included. The evaluation of the study quality was based on the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies, and the synthesis used the 'Guidance on the Conduct of Narrative Synthesis in Systematic Reviews'. RESULTS Thirty-three articles including 159 621 individuals were identified, relating to five different incidents with a post-event time frame ranging from 2 weeks to 13 years. The post-traumatic stress disorder prevalence rates were between 1.3 and 16.5%, major depression rates were between 1.3 and 25.8%, and rates for specific anxiety disorders were between 0.7 and 14%. The highest prevalence rates were found after the World Trade Center attacks. Reported risk factors were gender, no emergency service training, peritraumatic dissociation, spatial proximity to the event and social isolation. CONCLUSIONS The inconsistency of the prevalence rates may be attributable to the different severities of the incidents. Identified risk factors could be used to optimise training for emergency personnel before and after catastrophic events. Voluntary repetitive screening of rescue workers for mental health symptoms is recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Wesemann
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychotraumatology, Bundeswehr Hospital Berlin, Germany
| | - Briana Applewhite
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Hubertus Himmerich
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Trautmann S, Wittgens C, Muehlhan M, Kanske P. The Role of Socio-Affective and Socio-Cognitive Mechanisms in the Processing of Witnessed Traumatic Events. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:830218. [PMID: 35360123 PMCID: PMC8963708 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.830218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Trautmann
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Human Sciences, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.,ICPP Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Charlotte Wittgens
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Human Sciences, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.,ICPP Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Markus Muehlhan
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Human Sciences, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.,ICAN Institute for Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Kanske
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Medication-enhanced psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder: Recent findings on oxytocin’s involvement in the neurobiology and treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder. CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY IN EUROPE 2021; 3:e3645. [DOI: 10.32872/cpe.3645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Traumatic experiences may result in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which is characterized as an exaggerated fear response that cannot be extinguished over time or in safe environments. What are beneficial psychotherapeutic treatment options for PTSD patients? Can oxytocin (OXT), which is involved in the stress response, and safety learning, ameliorate PTSD symptomatology and enhance psychotherapeutic effects? Here, we will review recent studies regarding OXT’s potential to enhance psychotherapeutic therapies for PTSD treatment.
Method
We conducted a literature review on the neurobiological underpinnings of PTSD especially focusing on OXT’s involvement in the biology and memory formation of PTSD. Furthermore, we researched successful psychotherapeutic treatments for PTSD patients and discuss how OXT may facilitate observed psychotherapeutic effects.
Results
For a relevant proportion of PTSD patients, existing psychotherapies are not beneficial. OXT may be a promising candidate to enhance psychotherapeutic effects, because it dampens responses to stressful events and allows for a faster recovery after stress. On a neural basis, OXT modulates processes that are involved in stress, arousal and memory. OXT effectively counteracts memory impairments caused by stress and facilitates social support seeking which is a key resilience factor for PTSD and which is beneficial in psychotherapeutic settings.
Conclusion
OXT has many characteristics that are promising to positively influence psychotherapy for PTSD patients. It potentially reduces intrusions, but preserves memory of the event itself. Introducing OXT into psychotherapeutic settings may result in better treatment outcomes for PTSD patients. Future research should directly investigate OXT’s effects on PTSD, especially in psychotherapeutic settings.
Collapse
|
10
|
Wang K, Lin K, Yang S, Na SG. The Relationship Between Social Media Digitalization and Coronavirus Disease 2019 Fear Among Service Sector Employees. Front Psychol 2021; 12:702423. [PMID: 34925121 PMCID: PMC8674182 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.702423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the age of digitalization, social media has played a significant role in quickly spreading the news about current affairs. From December 2019 to now, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with its several mutated shapes, has more transmissible potential catastrophe and has become a severe phenomenon issue worldwide. The international spread of the epidemic has created fear among people, especially employees working physically in different organizations. The present research aimed to measure the impact of social media on its users in the China. The social media users more often were influenced by shocking news instructively and destructively. The research analysis was based on service sector employees and data collected from 630 respondents via a structured questionnaire. This research was confirmed the negative impact of fear on social media on the performance of employees. This research was also confirmed the moderation impact of the COVID-19 vaccine on the relationship between social media fear and employee performance. This research recommends that the China Censor Board checked the news and its validity to reduce the fear of COVID-19 among employees. This research will become a roadmap for organizations and media controllers to understand the impact of social media during an intense situation. The telecommunication sector will reduce psychological disease and enhance the work capability of employees by controlling unnecessary and unapproved material about sensitive issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wang
- Business School, Gansu University of Political Science and Law, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Business Administration, Wonkwang University, Iksan, South Korea
| | - Kejun Lin
- Department of Business Administration, Wonkwang University, Iksan, South Korea
| | - Shixin Yang
- Department of Business Administration, Wonkwang University, Iksan, South Korea
| | - Sang-Gyun Na
- Department of Business Administration, Wonkwang University, Iksan, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wesemann U, Hadjamu N, Wakili R, Willmund G, Vogel J, Rassaf T, Siebermair J. Gender Differences in Anger Among Hospital Medical Staff Exposed to Patients with COVID-19. Health Equity 2021; 5:181-184. [PMID: 33937603 PMCID: PMC8080924 DOI: 10.1089/heq.2020.0119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Occupational exposure to patients with COVID-19 is a stress factor. The aim of this study was to assess gender differences in anger among medical hospital staff. Methods: N=78 hospital employees with direct or indirect contact to patients with COVID-19 completed State-Trait Inventory-2. Results: Female personnel showed higher scores in the main "trait anger" scale and its subscale "anger temperament," whereas "anger control-out" was significant lower. Direct patient contact had no influence. Conclusion: More specific training for female hospital staff could achieve health-related equity. Focusing on anger as a leading indicator could lead to better prevention and self-monitoring. Registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04368312).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Wesemann
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychotraumatology, Bundeswehr Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nino Hadjamu
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West German Heart and Vascular Center Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Reza Wakili
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West German Heart and Vascular Center Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Gerd Willmund
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychotraumatology, Bundeswehr Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Vogel
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West German Heart and Vascular Center Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Tienush Rassaf
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West German Heart and Vascular Center Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Johannes Siebermair
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West German Heart and Vascular Center Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wheaton MG, Prikhidko A, Messner GR. Is Fear of COVID-19 Contagious? The Effects of Emotion Contagion and Social Media Use on Anxiety in Response to the Coronavirus Pandemic. Front Psychol 2021; 11:567379. [PMID: 33469434 PMCID: PMC7813994 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.567379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has become a global pandemic, causing substantial anxiety. One potential factor in the spread of anxiety in response to a pandemic threat is emotion contagion, the finding that emotional experiences can be socially spread through conscious and unconscious pathways. Some individuals are more susceptible to social contagion effects and may be more likely to experience anxiety and other mental health symptoms in response to a pandemic threat. Therefore, we studied the relationship between emotion contagion and mental health symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. We administered the Emotion Contagion Scale (ESC) along with a measure of anxiety in response to COVID-19 (modified from a previous scale designed to quantify fear of the Swine Flu outbreak) and secondary outcome measures of depression, anxiety, stress, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms. These measures were completed by a large (n = 603) student sample in the United States. Data were collected in the months of April and May of 2020 when the fear of COVID-19 was widespread. Results revealed that greater susceptibility to emotion contagion was associated with greater concern about the spread of COVID-19, more depression, anxiety, stress, and OCD symptoms. Consumption of media about COVID-19 also predicted anxiety about COVID-19, though results were not moderated by emotion contagion. However, emotion contagion did moderate the relationship between COVID-19-related media consumption and elevated OCD symptoms. Although limited by a cross-sectional design that precludes causal inferences, the present results highlight the need for study of how illness fears may be transmitted socially during a pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael G. Wheaton
- Department of Psychology, Barnard College, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Alena Prikhidko
- Department of Leadership and Professional Studies, School of Counseling, Recreation and School Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Gabrielle R. Messner
- Department of Psychology, Barnard College, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|